Today: Happy Clarkiversary.

[tweetmeme source=”elizabethev” only_single=false] A long time ago, in a land far, far away (okay, fine– it was Brookline and the year was 2009), a little six-month-old tiger brindle sat by the front door alongside assorted other French bulldogs, at the home of a reputable dentist breeder (if you’re looking for a Frenchie– or an inside peek at the world of show dog breeders– please let me know. I’ll give you the full scoop and a good laugh).

Though he came from a (dog) family of champions and showed great promise, Napoleon, as he was then called (and tattooed… yes, really), also showed signs of being a gigantic blob of wrinkles and would likely exceed the AKC weight maximum. We like to think we rescued Clark from a life of body consciousness, but that’s probably overstating the situation. Whatevs. Nick and I fell in love with him, went to Petco and bought all kinds of dog stuff, returned to the breeder an hour later, loaded him in the car and headed home.

I had never had a non-hamster pet and frankly, I had no clue what I was doing with a dog. Would he try and press buttons on the car stereo? Would he fall out the window, or somehow get stuck in the trunk? Would he, you know, pee or something? Much to my shock and awe, he slept the whole way to Southie in Nick’s lap, snoring like an old man. That was exactly one year ago today. Oh, how life has changed! The snoring, not so much.

I’m still not exactly a dog whisperer, but if I had to guess, I’d say Clark loves his new name, he loves his new neighborhood, and he loves really just about everyone and everything. Especially if he/she/it is peanut butter flavored.

Will you humor me if I share a few photos of the little guy? You know, in addition to the 90,000 that are already out and about on On Tap for Today?

Clark's first night in South Boston

Thanks for neutering me, guys. Now I have stress-induced colitis. Not to mention, two of my parts have gone missing.

Just checking for missing socks.

His ears are almost as big as my nose!

What are yoooou lookin' at?

I've had a long night of flying Santa around.

Speaking of Santa...

This stuff is amaaaazing!

I think Clark has a crush on Martha Stewart's Frenchies. Either that, or he learned how to read.

Playing at the beach with Quinn

I am freaking out, man!

The cone of shame

Clark, the Easter Frenchie

An early Spring swim at Castle Island

Check out my tuxedo.

I'm, like, a year old. Deal with it.

This green stuff is just as amazing as that snow stuff!

Hanging out in the South End

Make way for Clarklings!

Is it me, or does Clark look younger? Is he the Benjamin Button of the canine community? And not to worry-- those are Nick's arms, not mine.

Yo! I'm on vacation!

Yo! I'm on an old truck!

I've got more costumes than that lady, Lady Gaga.

It’s been an incredible year, and we’re lucky to have our little monster to share it with. Woof.

OK, so first of all your boyfriend is adorable. And second of all, this is the most hilarious post. I was sitting at my computer practically crying over your captions and photos. My husband thought I was crazy until I made him read it. Anyway, we are clearly ridic dog people but Clark is so cute. I’m glad he has such a happy peanut butter-filled life!

I’ve always had dogs but my first pet that I had totally on my own was a Leopard Gecko. I got him in college and STILL have him… they live to be 20 years old! I didn’t know that when I got him, oops! I have two cats too. And am hoping for a dog soon…